Go with the Flo

FLO

ANTHONY

The Broadway theater where Jesse Williams’ nude scene was leaked has stepped up security. People magazine reports that the Helen Hayes Theater, home to “Take Me Out,” has installed a new infrared camera system facing the audience so that the venue’s security team can monitor any wouldbe phone users during the show. The update comes after an audience member illicitly recorded and posted full frontal nude footage of Williams to Twitter on May 9, the same day the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as a gay baseball player. The New York Times reported that the detection system was installed May 11.

Most of the Big Apple’s most prominent doctors, including former commissioner at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Dr. Dave Chokshi, who gave the keynote address, and First Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer of NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Dr. Torian Easterling, were present at the recent United Hospital Fund Tribute to Excellence on Health Care Recognizing Quality of Improvement Champions. Dr. Michael L. Parks, associate professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery Hospital for Special Surgery, was honored for his groundbreaking research studying the correlation between socioeconomic and racial disparities in arthritis care and total joint replacements, which has led to a better understanding of racial inequities in musculoskeletal healthcare, ultimately helping to build a more equitable healthcare system.

Disney + original movie “Sneakerella” premiered May 13 on the streaming service. This pop/hip hop musical is set in the vibrant street-sneaker subculture of New York City and puts a contemporary twist on the “Cinderella” fairy tale. Triple threats Chosen Jacobs and Lexi Underwood star as E! and Kira, alongside a multi-talented diverse ensemble cast which includes former NBA star John Salley.

Hot on the heels of their recent album, “Perfect Union,” an international tour which included stops in Atlantic City, Disney’s EPCOT Center and the New Orleans JazzFest, legendary Grammy Award hit makers Kool & the Gang will bring the celebration to the TV morning show “Fox & Friends” on May 27. The band will perform live in New York City at Fox Square, located on Sixth Avenue between West 47th and 48th Streets in Manhattan (the show airs between 6 and 9 a.m. ET. “We look forward to bringing good times to ‘Fox & Friends’ as well as fans both in person and on TV,” states group founder/leader Robert Kool Bell. “So get ready for a great performance.”

(Nayaba Arinde photo)

By NOSAYABA ODESANYA

Special to the Amsterdam News

On May 14 in Brooklyn, New York, “Bans Off Our Bodies” went live to protest against the Supreme Court’s plan to overturn Roe. V Wade. Many people are concerned with the leak that the Supreme Court may be looking to make abortion illegal, as it has an effect on how many people will continue to live their lives.

Demonstrators with signs and chants said that abortion restrictions are part of a system of oppression that denies women, people of color and LGBTQ people full body autonomy and rights. Protestors have said that it is very vital to have equal and full access to reproductive health care to take care of ourselves the best way we know how, without feeling guilty or being shamed. As of now, abortion is still legal in the 50 states, but if anti-abortion rights activists have their way, it is only a matter of time before the court publishes their decision.

Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor Ana Maria Archila joined Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Girls for Gender Equity and reproductive rights advocates to protest across the Brooklyn Bridge in support of abortion rights and access. The protesters met at Juneteenth Grove, off of Tillary Street in Brooklyn, to join protesters at Cadman Plaza, who then marched across Brooklyn Bridge.

Archila was endorsed by #VOTEPROCHOICE, a national organization that connects the nation’s pro-choice majority voters with pro-choice champion candidates in every election. She has said that New York State can and must take the lead in protecting abortion rights and expanding abortion access.

Mothers with their children, young women, and lots of men wearing supportive T-shirts and banners showed up. There will probably be many other marches to come.

(Nosayaba Odesanya photos)